A quick catch up (and by “quick”, I mean “probably not“) …
Chase is home!
Well, home after a fashion … We have moved into my parents house for the first week (read: pray for my parents) so that we can have around the clock, one on one care for Chase. Why? Because he’s an active 2 year old boy on steroids, with 40+ stitches in his head, weak muscle coordination, and no center of gravity. Good times.
On that same subject, Chase had his final steroid yesterday…(audible sigh of relief)
We had a wonderful (albeit long) meeting with the oncology team today. Without gushing and going into a lot of cancer jargon, let me just say…we are very glad to be working with them.
We were also informed today that Chase’s kidneys are clear for now. This is the thing with AT/RT: it usually just hits the brain and spinal area (yes, I said “just“), but there is the chance that it can attack the kidneys too…which happens most often in the genetic version of the disease. (yes, I said “genetic“…so yes, our other children could get this). Therefore, as you can imagine, clear kidneys are a huge praise! The tumor will now be flown to Philadelphia where it gets to meet the only person in the world who studies the genetic component of AT/RT.
As soon as Chase gets cleared post-surgery, he will begin a very aggressive eradication process, the name of which sounds like a great title for the newest spy action movie.
Chase is doing so well! His wound had now healed to the “itch” level and it’s driving him nuts. However, in his brain, covering it with a washcloth helps. So we are hearing the phrase “I nee uh washclaf” a hundred times a day and he spends most of his waking (and sleeping) hours with a dry washcloth draped over his cranium.
Dear ones, please know this … As you may read this lighter and even joking tone to some of what I say here: cancer is deadly serious. I am not joking about cancer. Bob and I are finding joy in our son and his rarities on this long (and what will often be dark) journey.
I think this wraps up all the information I’ve been meaning to share with you.
As always, thank you so much for all your love, encouragement and prayers. They mean so much to us.
Joining you in gratitude over the good news about his kidney. Keeping you all in my prayers as you prepare for these next steps. Love to you all!
I’m a friend of Meg’s and praying for your family and Chase.
Hi Ellie! Thinking and praying so very much for your family. Thanks for the updates!
I have all of you wrapped in my prayers all day long for as long as this takes. You are a shining example of what it means to truly trust in God in ALL situations. I check for your new blogs every day for news of every silver lining to this dark cloud in your lives. I celebrate with you for every one of them, no matter how small. Love you all always.
Love getting to know Chase – not just his diagnosis – through your posts. Grace and peace to you – more and more.
Ellie you are amazing in your faith and Chase looks adorable with his little washcloth. Praise for the uplifting news and my prayers are ongoing and constant. Bless you all.
Hey Ellie-
My family and I have been praying for you guys as I keep reading about Chase on your posts.. God is amazing and I am inspired by your faith! I will continue to pray for you guys as the healing process begins and life changes to a little less crazy but I’m sure it will still be crazy! I have so been reminded how precious life is and how incredible our God is. Praying for you and your hubby especially!!
Love-
Becca Mercuri
Ellie,
I only know of you through mutual friends, Laura Wileman and Heather Howiler to name a few. Ironically Bob also spent some time in Nigeria that overlapped with my sister’s senior year of high school. All that to say, when your blog came up on familiar facebook links I read and have been praying with/for you all since. Thank you for testifying about God’s faithfulness in the midst! Thank you for being an honest mama and sharing truth, hurt and laughter. I am blessed by how you are allowing this trial of life to teach you and so many of us! I praise God for all He will do and has been doing! He is a good God, and your humble proclamation is so very encouraging!
Blessings,
Amy (Keller) Friedman
Love you guys. Again, I am rejoicing in the moment by moment graces you choose to share with us. You are a fragrant aroma to our Lord. I am thankful for the Poole sense of humor which is present in such a difficult time, making one smile when we want to weep. Yet, we are all feeling the weight of this with you and lifting you up so very often in prayer. xoxo
Sue Rickert passed your blog along to me, and I immediately began praying for Chase and your entire family. I was pleased to hear from Sue that the children are enjoying their North Central baseball caps. Your faith is inspirational, and God is mighty! Please be assured of my continuing prayers for all of you.
God’s blessings to you,
Peggy White
So glad to hear Chase is home! Praying for you and the doctors as you determine his course of treatment.
Prayers being sent for you, Bob, Chase and his siblings from all the way in Australia.
Ellie, I continue to pray for you and your familly. What a journey you are on, but I know the Lord is with you every step of the way.